Predicted Derby County Line-up To Face Manchester United In FA Cup
Derby County are in rattling good form at present and very much look like being Wolves’ main challengers for the title from now on if they have a challenger at all that is.
They head to Old Trafford at the weekend for a massive FA Cup third round match. While the Championship remains the priority for manager Gary Rowett, he may not rest as many players as usual and will look to gain a very famous win over Jose Mourinho’s side.
Chris Baird, Bradley Johnson, Andreas Weimann and David Nugent may all be freshened up with Wisdom, Thorne, Winnall and Martin perhaps given a chance from the start in Rowett’s regular 4-2-3-1 line-up:
Probable Derby XI
GK – Scott Carson
The ex-England man has gone about his business this season and may finally get to show a wider audience that he can still do it against the best.
RB – Andre Wisdom
Brought in from Liverpool to replace Cyrus Christie in a move which hasn’t really worked out as planned, though he may be comfortable in this environment and could, therefore, get the nod.
CB – Richard Keogh
Still going strong and given the quality of the opposition, he is likely to be asked to carry on his partnership with Davies.
CB – Curtis Davies
We commented here numerous times after his transfer from Hull that Curtis Davies was still a Premier League quality player and now he may get the chance to show it.
LB – Craig Forsyth
Should provide good attacking support down the left but needs to watch the forward runs from Man United’s wide men too.
CM – Tom Huddlestone
Still passing the ball well; will probably just sit deep in the midfield and look to start the Rams’ counter-attacks.
CM – George Thorne
Came off the bench against Sheffield United and looks ready to start.
RW – Johnny Russell
Will need Wisdom’s help going forward but will equally need to track back enough to help out his defence.
CAM – Matej Vydra
Finally showing his worth in this position, having a fine season and would relish the chance to start at Old Trafford.
LW – Sam Winnall
Stepping up in the game and if given the chance here, he will probably be playing the most important match of his career to date.
ST – Chris Martin
Came off the bench to replace David Nugent last time and may be asked to keep the Man United centre-backs busy from the off.